LAUSR

BACKGROUND Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) use is very common during anesthesia practice. Sore throats, earaches, hoarseness and swallowing difficulties may occur on LMA insertion. The primary aim of this study was to describe the effects of topical application of a spray formula of chlorhexidine gluconate and benzydamine hydrochloride (Kloroben ® oral spray, 30 mL) on postoperative sore throat due to LMA use. The secondary aims were to evaluate earache, swallowing difficulty, nausea and vomiting and the hemodynamic responses due to LMA insertion and the incidence of coughing, tooth clenching, desaturation and laryngeal spasms during LMA removal. METHODS After Institutional Ethics Committee approval and written informed consent (Ref no 29 / 15) were obtained total of 100 adult patients were included. In Group C, four puffs of a spray formula of chlorhexidine gluconate and benzydamine hydrochloride were applied to the nasopharyngeal area 15 min before surgery. In Group S, 0.9% saline was applied, using the same protocol. RESULTS When both groups were compared, more patients in Group S had coughs, sore throats and swallowing difficulties1 h after surgery (p < 0.05), but there was no 6, 12, and 24 h statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and earaches was similar in both groups at all measurement times (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Preemptive topical benzydamine hydrochloride and chlorhexidine gluconate in a spray formula may decrease the incidence of sore throats, coughs and swallowing difficulties associated with LMA use.